Eco-Friendly Archives - Cascade Print Media

What Is a Press Check

Direct Mail, Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, New, Print Marketing, Tips and Tricks

A press check is a service offered by print companies allowing you to come to a review your print project once it is on press. The pressman will get everything setup and print a few sheets for you to review before hitting the go button on the entire project. This step is important for various reasons to ensure your print project comes out exactly how you want it. Below are a few important things to look for during your press check.

1 – Low Resolution Images

Images used for marketing are often pulled from online sources or images taken with a phone, these images can and most likely will print at a low resolution, meaning that once printed on a substrate, they can become pixelated or blurry. The standard print resolution for a print file is 300 dpi, many images online or from your phone can be only half of that or less, making them impossible to print at a larger scale than what shows on your phone or computer screen. When reviewing your project at a press check, this will give you a proper representation of the print quality for those images.

Image of low vs high resolution image. One pixelated, the other more clear

2 – Ink Registration

Most offset printing is done in CMYK, a process of 4 colors printed in layers to create a specific color image or text. If these colors are not in registration, you will be left with a blurry and hard to read piece. It is important to make sure there is perfect registration. Pressman will have a tool called a loop at their press; this tool allows you to magnify the print allowing you to see the registration. If these colors are off the pressman can adjust to get them realigned.

Image of good registration vs bad registration on page

3 – Color consistency

This is the process to which the colors are consistent across the entire sheet. Color management profiles are used to ensure color consistency throughout the printing process. Review your press sheet thoroughly and make sure the entire sheet is equally vibrant without any dull areas. If there are any issues with consistency, your pressman and prepress department can review and adjust the print management system.

Image of Press sheet being checked for consistency and registration

4 – FPO

FPO means FOR POSITION ONLY, when creating your digital print file, you may use an FPO for things such as die lines, foil stamps, scoring, punching or folds. These are important during the prepress process so we know how your art should be laid out to avoid any of the processes listed above from impeding into your final print piece (nothing is worse than trying to read text that is on a fold.) Most of the time these FPO are created in a bright pink, but not always. It is important to make sure your FPO has been removed from the press ready files, so your FPO is not printed in your final piece. FPO should be created as a separate layer in your file so it can be turned off when plates are made for printing.

Image of large sheet showing where cuts and folds will be on finished product

5 – Check Your Mailing Panel

Mailing panels are tricky, USPS has a lot of rules for mailing panels, such as size, position and the ability to inkjet. If your print piece has a coating such as Aqueous, UV, Soft Touch or any other coating, be sure the pressman has created what is called a knockout, this is a process where they keep the coating from being applied in the mailing panel area. If that area is coated, USPS will most likely reject your pieces causing you to reprint.

6 – Pagination

If you are printing a booklet, with multiple pages on a press sheet, it is important to fold that press sheet to make sure your pages line up properly when folded and stitched. The prepress department has programs that will assist with correct pagination, but it’s always at idea to manually check this for accuracy. Also keep an eye out for alignment, making sure your page numbers land in the same place when the sheet is folded on the crop marks, and there is no art in or around the spine. One last thing to look for, make sure the creep has been accounted for. When you have a large book that has multiple sigs, when those sigs are folded and nested together the outer most sigs will need to be adjusted so the art has more room on the spine, or the inner most pages are not pushed out too far that they get cut off when the final trim is made.

6 – Pagination

Example of book pages creeping out of book due to folds

Interested in starting your next project but don’t know where to start? We can help! Get in touch today and we can walk you through the process, step by step.

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Promotional Products Return on Investment (ROI)

Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, New, Print Marketing, Promotional Products, Tips and Tricks

Promotional items

A study by the Advertising Specialty Institute found that “business promotional items are one of the most cost-effective advertising mediums for businesses.” The recall rate for promotional goods is around 89%, meaning that roughly 89% of customers can recall the advertiser on a promotional product they received within the past two years. A further 80% of people can also recall the messaging of the brand if they receive a promotional product from them. A physical item can also be much more effective than other types of campaigns. Promotional mugs and tumblers rank as more effective than radio/TV advertising. Studies report 57% of people can recall a brand’s advertising on a mug vs only 28% against recalling the advertiser on TV.

So why aren’t more businesses leveraging this growth opportunity?

One of the main reasons businesses may not be investing in corporate gifting or custom products is a perceived upfront cost. Certainly, depending on the products chosen, the upfront costs can look higher than expected. It’s important to consider more than just the raw cost when looking for promotional items.

Calculating ROI on promotional items

While not as easy to measure as a digital marketing campaign, this post challenges you to consider the ROI on promotional goods. The ROI is based on impressions – the number of people who are likely to see the branded product. When comparing investing into a marketing plan here’s a way to calculate the return on promo items.

No. of Items x Cost Per Item = Total Spend

Impressions per Product x No. of Items = Total Impressions

Total Spend / Total Impressions = Cost per Impression

Let’s break it down in a simple example using custom coffee mugs:

72 mugs x $10ea = $720

50 impressions ea x 72 = 3,600 views

$720 / 3,600 = $0.20 per impression

So, 72 mugs infrequently used only 50 times a year will get an estimated 3,600 impressions at an average cost of just $0.20 per impression. To put this in perspective the average CPC for Facebook advertising across all industries is roughly $2.00 per click.

With customers who consume coffee every day you could be looking at 72 x 365 or over 26,000 impressions a year. That takes the cost per view down to just $0.02 an impression. Those numbers don’t include others who might see the branding as well, which only drives down the impression costs even further.

Approx number of impressions

Clothing generates the most overall impressions over the expected lifetime of a product. The only exception being polo shirts, which can give the impression of a work uniform, making the wearers seem like employees and not casual users of the product. On average any product is expected to generate multiple hundreds if not thousands of impressions over its lifetime.

Know your target audience

Pick promotional products that your target audience will find useful or enjoy. Narrow in on products that are relevant to your business and will see use. Choosing well focused and quality products helps them stay around.

Approximately 87% of people keep promotional products for longer than a year while 4 out of 10 keep them for more than 5 years. That means people will continue to see your brand over and over, helping give you even more return on investment.

While at first glance promotional product expenses might seem more costly than alternative marketing options the actual cost per impression of promotional goods are extremely cheap. They provide long last lasting and consistent brand reminders to current and potential customers over a long lifespan.

Let Cascade Print Media help you grow your brand by offering solutions and options to stay in your customers’ minds while meeting your budgeting needs.

Sources: PPAI, ASI

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More

Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More – The Hidden Cost of Low-Quality Products and Services

In a world where budgets are tight and speed is everything, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option when ordering print materials, promotional products, branded apparel, or signage. But what seems like a good deal at first can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Low-quality products don’t just impact your brand—they hit your bottom line in ways you might not expect.

The Cost of Replacements and Reprints

Cheap products often lead to quick failures. Poorly printed brochures fade, flimsy promotional items break, and low-quality apparel shrinks or unravels after a few washes. When that happens, you’re forced to replace the items sooner than expected, effectively doubling your cost.

Example: You saved a few dollars by ordering low-end company T-shirts, but after just one event, they’re faded and falling apart. Now, you’re reordering from a better supplier—meaning you’ve spent twice as much.

Damage to Your Brand Reputation

Your branded materials represent your company. If your print looks unprofessional, your promo items feel cheap, or your signage is peeling, what does that say about your business?

Example: A potential client receives a flimsy, off-color business card or a promotional pen that breaks in their hand. It may seem minor, but those small details shape their perception of your company’s quality and reliability.

Lost Business and Missed Opportunities

Poor-quality products don’t just affect your existing customers—they can cost you future clients. Whether it’s an unreadable brochure, a faulty giveaway, or a poorly installed sign, low-quality materials fail to make the right impact.

Example: You invest in cheap promotional items for a trade show, but they don’t work as expected. Attendees toss them in the trash instead of keeping them, and you miss out on potential brand impressions and leads.

Increased Customer Complaints and Returns

Nothing frustrates customers more than receiving a subpar product. If your print materials have misaligned graphics, your apparel fades after one wash, or your promo items break instantly, you’ll hear about it—and not in a good way.

Example: You hand out branded tote bags at an event, but the stitching comes undone after just a few uses. Now, instead of spreading brand awareness, your customers associate your name with poor quality.

Wasted Time and Productivity

Every time you deal with a quality issue, you’re taking time away from other important business operations. Whether it’s handling complaints, reordering, or troubleshooting, low-quality products force you to spend more time fixing problems instead of growing your business.

Example: Your team spends hours dealing with a supplier over misprinted materials, delaying an important marketing campaign. The time lost is money lost.

No Direct Contact

In today’s digital world, it is tempting and easy to order signage, print, apparel and promotional products off a website offering a great price. Lower prices and faceless transactions often result in delayed shipments, low quality products and little to no contact when things go wrong.

Example: You buy a last minute apparel piece online for an important community event. The company you buy from fails to make the delivery and you have no company apparel for your team to wear to an important event.

Investing in Quality Saves You Money in the Long Run

The reality is, quality isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. When you choose high-quality print, promo, apparel, and signage, you get products that last longer, make a stronger impression, and save you money in the long run.

Better materials = fewer replacements
Professional branding = stronger reputation
Reliable products = happier customers
Fewer issues = more time to focus on growth

🚀 At Cascade Print Media, we believe in delivering high-quality solutions that make your brand shine—without the hidden costs. Let’s work together to create something that lasts.

📩 Ready to invest in quality for your next project? Let’s chat today!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Packaging: Tips and Tricks

Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, Print Marketing, Promotional Products, Tips and Tricks

Guest Post by: Cori

Packaging is a key essential in promoting your product and making it stand out next to your competitors. When your product is on the shelf, what does it say about your company and the product you are selling? Here are a few key factors in choosing your packaging and how it can make you more successful.

Branding

Who are you, and what are you selling? What about your packaging makes it stand out compared to your competitors? Use your packaging to get your name out there, using images of your product and examples of why someone should invest in it is a key essential to selling your product.

Quality

The quality of your packaging says a lot about your company and the product you are selling. On average 10-40% of manufacturing cost go into packaging. It is essential to make sure your packaging holds up and protects the product inside.

Product Differentiation

Create unique packaging, something fun and exciting that catches the attention of the consumer and draws them to your product instead of the competitors. Consumers want to know why your product is different, how it is better and why they should choose you.

Information

Use your packaging to tell consumers what your product is, and how it was made. Is it made in the USA, is it more economical than others, is it safe for you and the earth? Can it be recycled, or reused? These are all important reasons why someone might want to buy it, use your packaging to draw the consumers’ attention to these important reasons as to why your product is better.

Physical & Emotional Appeal

Give your packaging some personality, find a way to connect to consumers through your packaging. Bright colors, legible fonts and even textures are all great ways to give someone a reason to pick your product up off the shelf. Once they are interested in the packaging, you are halfway there to them being interested in the product inside.

Sustainability

Rather you are selling your product in stores or shipping it to the consumer, it is very important to make sure it is well packaged and will withstand the handling. Just as it is important to use the outside of the packaging to draw attention, it is just as important to make sure the product inside is protected. To ensure your product arrives safely and intact, make sure to use a well-fit sustainable package filler to mold your product and hold it in place. Make sure you use a thick enough material that protects the product but is also easy and user friendly to remove. Using recyclable material makes it easier on the consumer and better for the environment.

Production

Mass production is usually the best way to go to get a better unit cost. The more you print the less each piece’s cost to produce. This is true in most cases unless you are packaging an item that requires certain compliance and safety regulations, these often change, especially for food and cosmetics. If you print this information directly to the packaging, you may find yourself having to waste the packaging due to a reprint. There is a simple solution, print generic packaging for information that won’t change, and use labels to provide more fluid information such as product ingredients, warnings, and expiration dates. Although labels and the cost to apply may increase your production costs and time, this will save you money in the long run.

Testing

How do you know if your packaging will hold up? Before shipping your product to the consumer or retailer, conduct some tests. Ship yourself a package using your local freight company, store your package in a hot, cold or frozen environment to make sure the packaging doesn’t deteriorate.

If you are shipping to a retailer, visit the stores, conduct a survey of the product to make sure it stands out on the shelf and consumers are showing interest.

If you are shipping your product, add a comment card or a QR code where your customers can visit and provide feedback with information and images of the product they received. Asking someone’s opinion of your product shows you care and want to improve if needed.

Packaging says a lot about your product and brand, is a key element in promoting your products. Looking for ideas to get started? Contact us today!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Print In Your Marketing Plan

Direct Mail, Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, Print Marketing, Promotional Products, Signs

Creative Ways to Use Print in Your Marketing Plan

In today’s digital-first world, incorporating print into your marketing strategy is a powerful way to stand out. Tangible, eye-catching, and versatile, printed materials can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some creative ideas to effectively use print in your marketing plan.

Stickers for Brand Awareness

Stickers are small but mighty tools for spreading brand recognition. They’re affordable, versatile, and loved by customers. Include your logo, a catchy slogan, or fun designs that align with your brand. Use them as giveaways, packaging seals, or incentives for social media shares.

Pro Tip: Create limited-edition sticker sets to drive excitement and engagement.

Calendars for Year-Round Visibility

Custom calendars ensure your brand stays front and center all year. Include important industry dates, your promotional events, or helpful tips relevant to your audience. Calendars are especially effective as corporate gifts or customer appreciation items.

Pro Tip: Add QR codes linking to your website or digital resources for a modern touch.

Promotional Products with Practicality

Branded notebooks, pens, water bottles, and tote bags are not just giveaways—they’re functional items that keep your brand in sight. Distribute them at trade shows, conferences, or community events.

Pro Tip: Choose high-quality products that reflect the value of your brand to create a positive association.

Branded Apparel for Walking Advertisements

T-shirts, hats, and hoodies with your logo or creative designs turn customers and employees into brand ambassadors. Branded apparel is perfect for giveaways, contests, or employee uniforms. Check out our post here about the power of promotional products

Pro Tip: Use bold designs that make people excited to wear your apparel beyond promotional events.

Banners and Signs for Event Marketing

Large banners and signs are essential for trade shows, community events, or storefront promotions. They grab attention and provide vital information at a glance.

Pro Tip: Use weather-resistant materials for outdoor events and keep your message clear and concise for maximum impact.

Postcards for Direct Marketing

Postcards are a cost-effective way to deliver targeted messages. Use them to announce events, highlight promotions, or share updates. Their compact size makes them easy for recipients to read and keep.

Pro Tip: Add an exclusive discount code or invitation to drive customer action. Ask us about our mailing discounts!

Direct Mail Campaigns for a Personal Touch

Despite the rise of digital marketing, direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to connect with customers. Personalize your mailings to make a stronger impact and ensure your brand stands out in a crowded mailbox.

Pro Tip: Combine direct mail with digital campaigns by including URLs or QR codes to track engagement.

Brochures for Detailed Information

Brochures are excellent for showcasing your products or services in detail. Use them at trade shows, in-store displays, or as inserts in mail campaigns. High-quality design and professional printing ensure they leave a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: Make your brochures interactive by including fold-out sections or augmented reality features.

Posters for High-Impact Messaging

Posters are perfect for promoting events, sales, or new product launches in high-traffic areas. Bold visuals and concise messaging make them an attention-grabbing medium for local or in-store marketing.

Pro Tip: Use double-sided posters to maximize exposure in glass windows or hanging displays.

Custom Packaging to Delight Customers

Turn your packaging into a marketing tool by incorporating custom designs. Branded boxes, tissue paper, and thank-you cards enhance the unboxing experience and foster brand loyalty.

Pro Tip: Include small print items like stickers or postcards in your packaging to surprise and delight customers.

Why Print Works in Marketing

Print materials create a tactile connection that digital marketing can’t replicate. They build trust, reinforce brand identity, and provide long-lasting visibility. By incorporating these ideas into your marketing plan, you can engage your audience in creative and impactful ways.

Ready to amplify your marketing efforts with print? Contact us today to bring these ideas to life!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Driving Brand Visibility: Unleashing the Power of Vehicle Graphics

Eco-Friendly, Marketing, New, Print Marketing, Vehicle Wraps

In the bustling streets of today’s cities, every vehicle presents an opportunity to make a statement and leave a lasting impression. For businesses seeking to elevate their brand visibility and capture the attention of potential customers, vehicle fleet graphics emerge as a powerful tool in their marketing arsenal. Vehicle graphics can transform ordinary vehicles into rolling billboards, amplifying brand presence, and driving business growth.

Mobile Branding on the Move

Picture a fleet of vehicles adorned with vibrant graphics, each bearing the company logo, colors, and key messaging. These mobile billboards not only serve as a visual representation of the brand but also act as ambassadors, extending reach far beyond traditional advertising channels. Whether navigating city streets or parked in busy locations, branded vehicles command attention, sparking curiosity and conversation among passersby.

Cost-Effective Marketing Solution

Unlike traditional advertising mediums that require recurring investments, vehicle fleet graphics offer a one-time expense with long-term benefits. Once applied, these graphics continue to promote the brand 24/7, reaching diverse audiences across different demographics and geographic locations. With a relatively low cost per impression compared to other forms of advertising, vehicle graphics deliver exceptional ROI, making them a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

Localized Targeting and Increased Reach

One of the key advantages of vehicle fleet graphics is their ability to target specific geographical areas and demographics with precision. Whether it’s a local delivery service or a nationwide brand, customized graphics can be tailored to resonate with the target audience, driving engagement and brand recall. By strategically deploying branded vehicles in high-traffic areas or at local events, businesses can maximize their visibility and connect with potential customers on a personal level.

Cost- Efficiency and Control

Beyond streamlining operations, company stores offer cost-saving benefits through bulk ordering and centralized procurement. By negotiating favorable rates with suppliers and leveraging economies of scale, Cascade Print Media can help your business optimize your spending while maintaining quality standards. Moreover, implementing approval workflows and spending limits within the company store platform enables tighter control over expenses, preventing unauthorized purchases and budget overruns.

Versatility and Customization

Vehicle fleet graphics offer unparalleled versatility and customization options, allowing businesses to tailor the design to their unique brand identity and objectives. From full wraps that completely transform the vehicle’s appearance to partial wraps and decals that accentuate specific features, the possibilities are endless. With the guidance of experienced graphic designers, businesses can unleash their creativity and craft eye-catching designs that captivate audiences and reinforce brand messaging.

In an era where competition is fierce and capturing consumer attention is paramount, vehicle fleet graphics emerge as a potent marketing tool for businesses looking to stand out from the crowd. By transforming ordinary vehicles into mobile billboards that promote brand visibility, drive engagement, and convey professionalism, businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and leave a lasting impression on customers wherever they go.

At Cascade Print Media, we specialize in creating captivating vehicle fleet graphics that elevate brands and amplify their presence on the road. Partner with us to unleash the power of vehicle graphics and drive your business forward in style. Contact us to turn your fleet into a rolling showcase of your brand identity and unleash its full potential on the streets!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

« Older Entries

What Is a Press Check

Promotional Products Return on Investment (ROI)

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More

Packaging: Tips and Tricks

Guest Post by: Cori

Branding

Quality

Product Differentiation

Information

Physical & Emotional Appeal

Sustainability

Production

Testing

Packaging says a lot about your product and brand, is a key element in promoting your products. Looking for ideas to get started? Contact us today!

​​

Print In Your Marketing Plan

Creative Ways to Use Print in Your Marketing Plan

In today’s digital-first world, incorporating print into your marketing strategy is a powerful way to stand out. Tangible, eye-catching, and versatile, printed materials can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some creative ideas to effectively use print in your marketing plan.

Stickers for Brand Awareness

Calendars for Year-Round Visibility

Promotional Products with Practicality

Branded Apparel for Walking Advertisements

Banners and Signs for Event Marketing

Postcards for Direct Marketing

Direct Mail Campaigns for a Personal Touch

Brochures for Detailed Information

Posters for High-Impact Messaging

Custom Packaging to Delight Customers

Why Print Works in Marketing

Print materials create a tactile connection that digital marketing can’t replicate. They build trust, reinforce brand identity, and provide long-lasting visibility. By incorporating these ideas into your marketing plan, you can engage your audience in creative and impactful ways.

Ready to amplify your marketing efforts with print? Contact us today to bring these ideas to life!

Driving Brand Visibility: Unleashing the Power of Vehicle Graphics

Mobile Branding on the Move

Cost-Effective Marketing Solution

Localized Targeting and Increased Reach

Cost- Efficiency and Control

Versatility and Customization

NEW